hvad enten ... eller

Whether ... or (Hvad Enten)

Level 4

Use hvad enten ... eller to show that a result remains the same regardless of which option is true. It functions like the English 'whether... or'.

How It Works

The expression hvad enten ... eller is a concessive subjunction. It is used to indicate indifference toward the outcome of a choice.

1. Syntax and Word Order
Because it introduces a subclause, you must use subordinate clause word order. This means that sentence adverbs like ikke or altid must come before the finite verb.

2. Formal vs. Informal
In modern Danish, the word hvad is sometimes omitted, leaving just enten ... eller. However, keeping hvad is standard in formal writing and provides extra clarity. It is also common to use uanset om as a more casual synonym.

3. Multiple Alternatives
While it usually presents two options (often using eller ej for 'or not'), it can technically be used for three or more alternatives by adding more eller clauses.

Examples (4)

  1. Hvad enten du vil det eller ej, skal du i seng nu.

    Whether you want to or not, you have to go to bed now.

    Word by Word: What either you will it or not, shall you in bed now.

    This shows the classic 'whether or not' structure where the result (going to bed) is unavoidable.

  2. Hvad enten han kommer eller bliver hjemme, starter vi festen klokken otte.

    Whether he comes or stays home, we are starting the party at eight o'clock.

    Word by Word: What either he comes or stays home, start we party-the clock eight.

    Here, two specific actions are presented as alternatives that don't change the start time.

  3. Hvad enten man er rig eller fattig, skal man betale skat.

    Whether one is rich or poor, one must pay tax.

    Word by Word: What either one is rich or poor, shall one pay tax.

    This demonstrates a general truth that applies regardless of the condition (rich or poor).

  4. Hvad enten det regner, sner eller blæser, går hun en tur hver dag.

    Whether it rains, snows, or is windy, she goes for a walk every day.

    Word by Word: What either it rains, snows or blows, goes she a walk every day.

    This shows that the pattern can be used with more than two alternatives.

Common Mistakes

  • Using main clause word order (placing 'ikke' after the verb).

    Hvad enten han kommer ikke eller ej...
    Hvad enten han ikke kommer eller ej...

    Since 'hvad enten' introduces a subclause, the adverb 'ikke' must come before the verb.

  • Confusing 'hvad enten' with 'enten ... eller'.

    Enten du kan lide det eller ej, skal vi afsted.
    Hvad enten du kan lide det eller ej, skal vi afsted.

    'Enten... eller' is for choosing between two things (Either A or B). 'Hvad enten' is for saying the result is the same regardless of the choice.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

hvad enten ... ellerLevel 4Whether ... or (Hvad Enten)

Learn This First

To understand 'hvad enten ... eller', you first need to be familiar with the basic 'either ... or' (enten ... eller) structure. Additionally, since this pattern often functions as a subordinate clause, you must understand how Danish word order changes in dependent clauses compared to main clauses.

Words in This Pattern

entenellerhvad